Landlords are increasingly engaging letting agents as the private rented sector's regulation becomes more complex, according to new research. A survey of National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) members found that 66% now use a letting agent in some capacity, which the NRLA states is the highest proportion recorded for at least two years.
The research, conducted by Pegasus Insight, comes as landlords prepare for further changes under the Renters’ Rights Act. The NRLA suggests that this growing reliance on agents strengthens the case for minimum education and training standards for agency staff.
The association has also expressed concerns about agents who may lack sufficient knowledge of their legal and regulatory responsibilities. Official figures cited by the NRLA show that 59% of tenants in fully agent-managed properties were satisfied with repairs, compared to 73% of tenants whose properties are managed directly by their landlord.
The NRLA is calling on the government to accelerate plans for minimum education and training requirements for agency staff. Ministers have committed to consulting on this issue next year.